Q: How do you start a new child in your program and what if my child cries the first day?
A: We use a gradual process as your child prepares to enroll in our program. This allows you and your child to visit together on the first day until lunchtime, and the next day is a full day without you but you are welcome to stay if you are able. Eventually, your child will feel confident enough for you to go. They may cry a little, but we promise that won’t last. You can even call later in the day to see how your child is doing.

Q: Can I come visit my child during the day?
A: Absolutely! We encourage you to visit whenever you want. In fact, you are also welcome to arrange a time to volunteer an hour or a morning in your child’s classroom. The Center has an open visitation policy which is noted in our Center handbook.

Q: Can we bring meals from home for our child?
A: We provide breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack as part of our fee. The company we contract with for locally grown, organic food has many varied menus for different dietary needs, including vegetarian, gluten, and dairy free. However, if your child has special dietary needs we cannot handle, you may provide your own food for them as long as we have written approval from the pediatrician.

Q: What is Learning Bridge’s discipline policy?
A: We think of discipline as teaching, so the vast majority of discipline or guidance in our programs consists of teachers talking to children throughout the day about what they are doing. If children are doing something that is unsafe or not okay, the teachers explain why it is not okay and guide the child to another, better choice. Because we have small groups and three teachers, we don’t have many discipline issues. Children get a lot of attention and we are able to catch problems before they escalate. 

Q: What happens when my child gets sick?
A: We follow our illness and exclusion policy routines in order to prevent the spread of illness. When a child gets sick at the center, we call the parents to pick up the child and ask that he or she be seen by a physician. A child must stay home at least 24 hours after a fever or diarrhea. Our illness policy is detailed in our parent handbook and follows DCFS licensing guidelines.

Q: What does Learning Bridge do to prevent the spread of illness?
A: We wash hands constantly (both ours and the children’s). For example, we wash before and after diaper changes, before handling food, after wiping noses and after playing outside. We wash small toys that have been in a mouth each day. We use a bleach water solution to sanitize many surfaces around the classroom  including food preparation areas, diapering areas, tables where children eat, the toy shelves, even the rug at the end of the day. We also take all children outside daily, weather permitting.

Q: What happens if my child gets hurt at the center?
A: The first thing we do is make sure your child and all of the others are safe. We wash off any scrapes and comfort your child. In addition, every accident or injury is documented on paper by the teacher who saw the incident happen. This paper is signed by the Site Manager, reviewed with a member of the Leadership team, and given to you at the end of the day. Typically, we will also call you to describe the incident/accident and how we handled it as we do not want you to be surprised at pick-up time.

Q: What precautions does Learning Bridge take regarding who can pick up my child?
A: Learning Bridge requires you to fill out an emergency card and list who is able to pick up your child. When that person comes for the first several pick-ups, we will ask them for identification, in order to make sure they are on your list. It always helps if you let us know before that person arrives so we know who to expect at pick-up.

Q: What is special about Learning Bridge’s classrooms?
A: Learning Bridge has unique classrooms made up of 2 or 3 rooms. This gives the feel of living in a big home together. In addition, we have exceptionally low teacher/child ratios with three to four teachers in each classroom. This classroom setup allows every child significant individual attention and developmental support.

Q: At what ages do children transition between rooms?
A: Three year olds transition to a three to five year old classroom when they are toilet learned and socially ready. We work to have as few transitions as possible in our program. This allows children to develop strong attachments to the teachers, which supports optimal development. Transitions are planned well in advance, in consultation with the parents and following the cues of the child.

Q: What is an attachment teacher and will my child have one?
A: An Attachment Teacher is the person assigned to your child in order to form a strong bond. While all the classroom teachers know and interact with your child, the Attachment teacher knows him or her the best. Each child is assigned an Attachment teacher when they first start in the room. This is who you will conference with twice a year about your child.

Q: Do Learning Bridge teachers work on toilet training children?
A: Yes. We work with parents to help the child learn to use the toilet. We don’t rush a child, but follow their cues in the process. Parents are consulted and advised throughout the process. Sometimes it is easier for a child to learn to use the toilet at the center, because they see older children using the potty. We also have very small toilets, and that makes the process much easier.

Q: What are the credentials/educational levels of Learning Bridge Teachers?
A:  Teachers in each classroom are required to have a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood or Child Development, or a Bachelor’s degree in a related field with at least 21 credit hours in Early Childhood, or at minimum an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood or a related field. Assistant Teachers must be working on an Early Childhood degree.

Q: Do Learning Bridge staff members have CPR training?
A: Yes, all of the full-time staff are trained in infant and toddler First Aid and CPR. We provide the training on-site.

Q: How often do children go outside?
A: Children go outside at least twice a day, weather permitting.

Q: I'm interested in applying for a job. How do I get more information?
A: Please visit the CAREERS section of our website or call us at 847-869-2680.